Tobacco compaction device

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for compacting rolled tobacco are provided. In a specific embodiment, a compacting tool having a tapered hole slightly smaller that the diameter of cigarette can be utilized to compact a cigarette. The tapered hole allows the cigarette to be easily inserted into the hole and as the cigarette is forced into the hole the narrowest portion of the hole can pack or compress the chopped tobacco inside the rolling paper of the cigarette. Compressing the tobacco reduces the air and oxygen within the cigarette and also limits the amount of oxygen that can get to the tobacco while the tobacco is burning.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to processing rolled tobacco and more particularly to the compaction of rolled smoking tobacco prior to smoking the tobacco.

BACKGROUND

The smoking of tobacco for pleasure remains popular. However, health hazards such as excessive smoking and inhalation of excessive second hand smoke have been determined by the surgeon general to be detrimental to a human's health. Light or reduced tar cigarettes are being marketed that produce less harmful smoke. However, the harmful effects of smoking have still not been minimized. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for preparing rolled tobacco such that when the tobacco is smoked, less smoke and less harmful smoke is created.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a rolled tobacco compaction device; and

FIG. 2 is side view of the rolled tobacco compaction device with a cigarette partially inserted into a hole in compaction device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Systems and methods for compacting rolled tobacco are provided. Tobacco or shredded tobacco can be rolled in papers such as cigarette papers to create a cigarette. In a specific embodiment, a compacting tool having a tapered hole slightly smaller that the diameter of cigarette to be compacted can be utilized to compact a cigarette.

The tapered hole allows the cigarette to be easily inserted into the hole and as the cigarette is forced into the hole the narrowest portion of the hole can pack or compress the chopped tobacco inside the rolling paper of the cigarette. Compressing the tobacco reduces the air and oxygen within the cigarette and also limits the amount of oxygen that can get to the tobacco while the tobacco is burning.

Controlling the amount, or restricting the amount of oxygen that is provided to, or available to the burning tobacco, can provide enhanced results for the smoker. During combustion, when less oxygen is available, a reduced burning temperature of the tobacco is achieved. The reduced combustion temperature can reduce the amount of tar and nicotine that makes it through the filter and into the smoker's lungs. Also, reduced combustion temperatures can provide smoke to the user that has a lower temperature. Thus, throat burn, coughing and phlegm build up can be reduced by the systems and methods described herein. Additionally, a reduction is available oxygen and combustion temperatures can reduce the second hand smoke released into the air by the cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tobacco compaction device 2 is provided that can pack tobacco within a cigarette. Tobacco compaction device 2 can be rigid or semi rigid and can had an area to grip the tobacco compaction device and can have a tapered hole 4. The tapered hole 4 can have outside dimension 6 and an inside diameter 8 indicated by a circular line such that a “funnel” shape is created somewhere between the outer surfaces of the tobacco compaction device 2.

In a particular embodiment the taper has a larger dimension at the outside surfaces of the tobacco compaction device 2 and a smaller dimension at the center of the tobacco compaction device 2. If the tobacco compaction device 2 is manufacture by an injection molding process the taper can be machined into the mold from which the tobacco compaction device 2 is manufactured. In other embodiments that could be utilized to manufacture the compaction device 2, the tapered hole 4 could be creating by drilling, punching or stamping a first hole of a predetermined size through the tobacco compaction device 2. Then a counter sink could be provided for the hole from one side or both sides to the proper depth by drilling or stamping thereby providing the desired taper.

In a specific embodiment, the tapered hole 4 can have a minimum diameter of approximately two hundred and eighty four thousandths (0.284) of an inch. The diameter as measured at the maximum of the taper can be approximately two hundred eighty seven thousandths (0.287) of an inch. The minimum diameter or “narrowest” portion of the hole 4 could be a tubular passage centrally located between the planar surfaces of the compaction device. The “inner” diameter of this tubular surface (i.e. 0.284 inches) can extend for fifty nine thousandths 0.059 of an inch. The thickness of the material utilized can be 0.158.

However, the compaction device 2 and its holes could be larger in size and also cold have a plurality of hole sizes. For example, the compaction device 2 could provide a series of holes in varying diameters such that based on the hole utilized, the user can achieve a desired compaction.

Further, the user could put the cigarette through a series of compaction steps starting with a larger hole and progressing to smaller holes. Additionally, a particular hole could be label for specific manufacturers or specific brands such that a user could determine the proper hole for the cigarette to be compacted by reading a label on the compaction device 2.

The angle of the countersink can be selected to provide an outside dimension or diameter 6 that a cigarette will easily fit into. Thus, the tobacco filled end of the cigarette can be inserted into the tapered hole 4 and pushed through the tapered hole 4 until the filter of the cigarette approaches or reaches the tapered hole 4. Then, the cigarette can be pulled out of the tapered hole 4. After such a process, the paper that contains the tobacco within the cigarette may be wrinkled or crinkled. A key ring hole 10 can be provided by the tobacco compaction device 2 such that the tobacco compaction device can be placed on a key ring.

Cigarettes come in all shapes and sizes; however, there is a common diameter size for many varieties of cigarettes. Thus, the tobacco compaction device 2 could have multiple tapered holes, one hole for each of the common cigarette diameters.

In a specific embodiment tobacco compaction device 2 can be manufactured by injection molding ABS plastic into a piece measuring two and a half inches long by one inch wide by one quarter of an inch thick.

Referring to FIG. 2 a side view of a tobacco compaction device 2 with a cigarette 12 inserted into a tapered hole 4 is illustrated. As described above, tobacco compaction device 2 can have a key ring hole 10 for retention of the tobacco compaction device on a key ring. In the compaction process a cigarette 12 can be grasp by its end, butt or filter 16 and slowly inserted into the hole 4. A slight rotation of the cigarette 12 may assist the cigarette in fitting into the tapered hole 4.

As the cigarette 12 is pushed through the tapered hole 4, the tobacco laden end 14 of cigarette 14 can emerge from the tobacco compaction tool 2 with a smaller average diameter than the diameter that is pushed into the tobacco compaction tool 2. The paper that contains the tobacco in the cigarette 12 may emerge from the tobacco compaction tool 2 crinkled or wrinkled as the diameter of the cigarette is decreased.

The side view/cut away view of the tapered hole 4 illustrates a hole that is tapered from both ends wherein the “narrowest” portion of the tapered hole 4 is relatively “thin” such that the friction of the cigarette can be minimized during the compaction process.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a rigid member having a gripping surface configured to securely grasp the rigid member; a hole in the rigid member configured to insert a tobacco filled end of a cigarette.
 2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the hole has a tapered opening.
 3. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein rigid member has a key ring hole configured to mount a key ring.
 4. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the hole is smaller than a standard cigarette diameter.
 5. The apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of holes.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each of the plurality of holes is smaller than standard diameters of a cigarette.
 7. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the rigid member comprises aluminum.
 8. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the rigid member comprises plastic.
 9. The apparatus as in claim 8 wherein the rigid member comprises ABS plastic.
 10. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the rigid member is molded.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hole has a diameter of less than two hundred and eighty six thousandth of an inch.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an outside dimension of a taper of the hole is less than two hundred and eighty eight thousandths of an inch.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hole has a taper from a first side of the rigid member and the hole has a taper from a second side of the rigid member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid member is less than one hundred fifty nine thousandths of an inch in thickness.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid member is less than two and three quarters of an inch in length.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid member is less than one inch in width.
 17. A method of compacting tobacco comprising; inserting a cigarette in a hole that is smaller than an average diameter of the cigarette; moving the cigarette through the hole until a filter of the cigarette approaches the hole; and moving the cigarette out of the hole.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising selecting a hole having a diameter that will compact tobacco within the cigarette.
 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising selecting a hole large enough that a paper of the cigarette does not tear when the cigarette is moved through the hole and out of the hole.
 20. The method of claim 17 further comprising selecting a hole that provides a predetermined compaction of tobacco in the cigarette. 